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Thread ID: 73813	2006-11-02 00:33:00	Navman GPS Navigators	Andrew B (867)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
495932	2006-11-02 00:33:00	Has anyone used a Navman or similar in car GPS navigator map gadgets? Any comments on the different models features and how useful they really are, would be appeciated. Thanks	Andrew B (867)
495933	2006-11-02 01:04:00	I had a Navman 520 GPS earlier this year and got rid of it. Great 'gadget' but my overall feeling is that they are just not user-friendly enough yet. Probably another example of computer programmers who don't have a clue about real world use. Good enough if you want to go on a long trip point A to B and not too fussed about how you get there. I had a few issues as follows: Driving in the countryside suddenly my position would show as about 100 metres from the road on the map and the navman would tell me to 'find the nearest road'. Driving over Harbour bridge it told me to 'do a U-turn as soon as possible'! Quite often it would tell you to 'turn here' when the road had already gone past... then of course tell you to do a U turn :) Also it is quite tricky to input addresses. This is because the map covers the whole of NZ so you might be in Auckland, type in 'Queen St' and be directed to a Queen St in Christchurch. Also the map areas are not the same as on a normal map. You might be going to an address on a road that goes through different suburbs, but unless you can guess the correct name for the suburb the Navman will say 'no such address'. I think the map coverage in NZ is just not good enough on a Navman, quite often it couldn't find addresses that were clearly shown on printed maps. Also issues with 'multiple stops' where if you don't stop at exactly the 1st address you programmed in, it will say that you haven't reached your destination and when you drive away to the next destination it will automaticly re route you back to the 1st stop. I found myself driving up the road... past the actual address until the Navman said I had arrived, then doing a U-turn and going back. All in all a lot of small irritations, touch screen great, 3D view good, actual route input very convoluted, battery life poor (really need to run from car lighter), window suction and cradle huge and unweildy- will take up a lot of room if you can fit it over the dashboard and the socket for power plug is under the lower edge of the Navman body, meaning you can't rest the cradle on the dashboard and the power plug sticks through a hole in the cradle so when you remove the Navman from the cradle the plug falls out and is a pain to plug back in. My guess is if you want to 'tiki tour' around NZ and you love doing U-turns it's great. If you're a taxi driver forget it... there are easier ways to get lost!	Shortcircuit (1666)
495934	2006-11-02 04:38:00	They are lovely technotoys. :cool: (As always, there is a new model coming out, very soon, and it's very nice. I've seen one of the prototypes. ) But I'd much prefer to get lost by natural means. :D	Graham L (2)
495935	2006-11-02 05:27:00	I use my ICN510 almost daily in Christchurch, I'd be lost without it, I think its much better than paper maps (although I always try to carry a paper one as well). Bought the wife a ICN520 (Almost identical except for the colour) to stop her borrowing mine. I've been using satalite navigation for years (in the UK) and the comment I'd make to anyone buying one is you must use common sense (and follow the rules of the road) even when it insists that you do something. When it says turn left now when your in the middle of a bridge, don't do it !!! :-)	gcarmich (10068)
495936	2006-11-02 08:28:00	I have an ICN 635. Generally it works well and the voice is at least civil, which can be refreshing... Where the road has been re-aligned in the last 2 or 3 years the "go to nearest road" occurs, otherwise accuracy is good. Very good for navigating in a strange town. You need to be prudent with the settings between "fastest" and "shortest" or you will go in an odd route to get there.	godfather (25)
495937	2006-11-02 09:34:00	I have a Navman PIN ...Sometimes you do have to use your own common sense. If it tells you do do a u turn..keep driving for a bit longer and it will get you back on track. Overall haven't had any major problems with mine. and yes the battery dosen't last long.	wmoore (6009)
495938	2006-11-02 10:02:00	I'm also very interested in getting a GPS also, anyone had experience with Garmin? Are they on par with Navman? How much does it cost to get a new map when the road changes?	SKT174 (1319)
495939	2006-11-02 10:03:00	(As always, there is a new model coming out, very soon, and it's very nice. I've seen one of the prototypes. ) In that case, I will wait and see :cool:	SKT174 (1319)
495940	2006-11-02 10:20:00	There was a recent review in the NZ PC World magazine which compared four different models for ease of use and accuracy.	Jen (38)
495941	2006-11-02 21:01:00	Thanks for all the replies, some very useful comments. Jen, do you know what issue of PC World that article was in, and where I might find a copy? Thanks	Andrew B (867)
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